How to Make a Parrot Sweater

With their gorgeous plumage, it doesn't seem necessary to dress a parrot. For birds who are feather-pluckers, though, a posh sweater is more than a fashion statement. It prevents parrots from accessing the chest feathers that are most often the subject of their neurotic habit. A sweater will also help a bird with a bare chest hold in body heat. Repurpose the sleeve of an old sweatshirt into a practical parrot sweater. Stitch ribbons, large buttons or decals onto the front to give your compulsive companion a new focus for his fixation.

Measure the length of your parrot's back from the base of his neck to the base of his tail using the tape measure.

Lay the sweatshirt on a flat surface such as the countertop.

Start at the cuff of one sleeve and use the tape measure and marker to mark off the same length as your bird's back. Draw a line with the marker across the width of the sleeve to provide a cutting guide.

Cut the sleeve with the scissors along the cutting guide. Set the sweatshirt aside.

Place the cut sleeve on the countertop with the cuff section farthest from you and the cut edge closest to you.

Measure 1 inch down from where the cuff is sewn to the sleeve on the left side and make a mark with the marker, then make another mark on the left side 2 1/2 inches down from that mark. Make two additional marks on the right side of the sweater using the same process.

Cut a slit to create a hole for your parrot's wing between the two marks on the left side of the sweater using the scissors. Cut another slit on between the two marks on the right side.

Sew large buttons, 2- and 3-inch lengths of ribbon, or felt decals onto the front of your bird's sweater using needle and thread.